Contributory Negligence is a type of defense to civil legal claims alleging negligence and “fault.” Negligence claims in North Carolina involving accidents are generally subject to the Common Law defense of “contrib” as some legal professionals may call it.
When appropriate, proper pleading of contributory negligence in an Answer to a lawsuit may result in completely precluding recovery. It serves as a complete “bar” to recover damages for injuries that may be the result of car accidents, wrecks, and other lawsuits involving claims of negligent operation of a vehicle.
Contributory negligence is not limited to personal injury claims involving accidents. It may also apply for lawsuits alleging assault, battery, and other “torts” involving allegations of damages, permanent injuries, and wrongful death claims.